COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Emily Fraik, a rising sophomore for the University of Maryland volleyball team, has been selected for the 2013 USA Volleyball High Performance Women’s Junior A1 National Training Team Program to compete in the European Global Challenge from July 9 through July 20 in Pula, Croatia.

The program, which is part of the USAV High Performance System, is the premier International travel program for Junior age athletes and an essential training portion of the National Athlete Pipeline.

“I am absolutely thrilled that I was offered this opportunity and I am incredibly honored to have the chance to represent USA Volleyball,” said Fraik. “I'm excited to grow as a volleyball player as well as meet and play with the other girls and learn from an amazing coaching staff.”

The Global Challenge Team consists of 12 athletes who will attend 10 days of training and competition. The group will spend the first four days of the tour in Maribor, Slovenia, training and playing friendly matches against the Slovenian Youth and Junior National Teams.

The team will then travel to Pula to compete in the 9th Annual European Global Challenge against top European teams.

"We are really excited for Emily," said Maryland head coach Tim Horsmon. "For her to be able to train with the caliber of players on this team shows well on her and our program. Emily really worked this past year to improve her game. I think this opportunity will unlock some things for her and enable her to have a great 2013 season when she returns."